Almost one in every three of us have seriously considered setting up a business at some point.

Almost one in every three of us have seriously considered setting up a business at some point.

But more than a third decide against it because they think the right financial advice and professional support just isn't available.

But Paula Hargrave, from Guisborough, has proved you can get your venture off the ground with the right help.

The 31-year-old mum-of-two took over as director of Stockton Jet Garage on Yarm Road after starting out as a cashier for the company.

And advice from Barclays Bank's 'Start Right in Business' seminars gave her the skills to succeed.

"When I'd had my first child I stopped at a garage for petrol and noticed they needed someone for Friday and Saturday night shifts," she explained.

"I worked my way to assistant manager and then decided to set up my own company."

Although the garage is owned by Jet, she owns everything else and as director is responsible for the garage's performance and its staff of eight through her own limited company - Hargrave P.

And last year she won Jet's award for retailer of the year.

Advice on running the business came from a seminar held by Barclays in Skelton.

"I'd already set up the business but I got enormous help and advice from the seminar. It put me in touch with people who could advise me and I had tremendous back-up from the bank."

Barclays and the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies are holding 200 more seminars across the country - including a number in Tees Valley - to help people find out about marketing, finance, legal implications and where to turn when going it alone.

Alan Bretherton, chief executive of NFEA, said: "The seminars are designed to help people overcome their fears of starting their own business by making them aware of the huge support network there is available."

Research by Barclays found more men than women have considered going it alone and the key age for making the move is between the ages of 45 and 54.

And 17% want to strike out in the retail sector.

Mike Rogers, managing director of small business and start-up at Barclays, said: "These figures are enormously encouraging, showing Britain to be a nation of people with entrepreneurial drive and ambition.

"What's also reassuring is all the reasons cited as barriers are surmountable - with access to the right information, guidance and support."

Earlier this year the Start Right programme reached more than 1,600 potential small business entrepreneurs - with many of them going on to start their own business.

Mr Rogers added: "It's interesting that some people associate being in business with being in debt to their bank, when our experience shows the majority of small businesses do not borrow.

"In fact only a small percentage of our business customers need to borrow from us to get things off the ground - what they are looking for from us is support, guidance and service that make starting up as straightforward as possible."

Local events are being held on October 10 at: Samsung Centre, Stockton - details from Rebecca Gibson on 01429 253585.

Darlington College at Catterick Garrison - details from Anne Hillaby on 01748 542670.